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Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.

     WILLIAM T. PETERSON is one of the prominent mining men in the Okanogan districts.  At the present time he is postmaster at Nighthawk and is also managing a large realty concern, known as the Nighthawk Real Estate Company.  Mr. Peterson has manifested mendable zeal and energy in the good work of developing this country and much credit for the vast improvements in the mining interests here are due to his faithful labors.
     William T. Peterson was born in Raymond, Wisconsin, on June 1, 1873, the son of Jens J. J. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Peterson, natives of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Raymond, Wisconsin, respectively.  The mother was born in 1839, being the first girl born in Raymond.  The father was born on August 12, 1831, and learned the moulder's trade in his youth.  In 1858 he came to New Orleans and later went via St. Louis to Raymond, Wisconsin.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry as private, and after a long and honorable service was discharged as second lieutenant.  He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, and various others.  In the last one mentioned he was severely wounded in the head, which nearly cost him his eyesight.  In falling he injured his hip which leaves him with a lameness to this day.  He was active in many skirmishes and accompanied Sherman on the famous march to the sea.  On one occasion he was captured by the enemy and languished a time in Libby prison.  At the present Mr. Peterson is a member of the G. A. R. in Milwaukee, where he resides with his wife.
     The subject of this article has one brother, Charles T., who is specifically mentioned in another portion of this work, and two sisters, Mable E. and Emma J., both trained nurses, the former in Milwaukee and the latter in Redding, California.  Our subject was educated in the public schools and at the age of seventeen went to sailing on the lakes, and soon thereafter was on the high seas.  During this time he cruised around the world and visited many of the noted ports of all countries.  He enlisted in the navy and at the beginning of the Spanish war was on the New Orleans.  He participated in all the battles at Santiago, with the exception of one, and his was the first war ship to get to Porto Rico and San Juan.  After the jubilee demonstration at Philadelphia Mr. Peterson was honorably discharged at the yards in New York.  He went at once to visit his parents in Milwaukee.   During Mr. Peterson's service he was first under the command of Admiral Schley and then under Admiral Sampson.
     In 1900 Mr. Peterson came to Okanogan county and prospected.  During this time he located twenty of the claims now owned by the Nighthawk company and it was through his efforts largely that the Milwaukee & Palmer Mountain Gold & Copper Mining Company was incorporated.  This company is now absorbed by the Nighthawk, which owns fifty-five claims and some fractions.  The Nighthawk company was organized in July, 1901, James S. Church being president, Peter J. Somers, vice-president, H. D. James, secretary-treasurer and general manager.  Myron J. Church is resident manager.  It is said that the property has the best showing of any in this section and it certainly is one of the valuable mines of the northwest.  It has a large ledge, which shows great values in gold, copper, lead and silver.  Mr. Peterson is one of the heavy stockholders and has done much to assist in placing the company in its present prosperous position.  In February, 1902, Mr. Peterson started a store in Nighthawk, got a postoffice established and also was a leading spirit in the organization of the realty company with which he is now operating.  Later he sold the store, but still is postmaster and does a real estate business.  Mr. Peterson is one of the prominent men of the county, and his stirring energy, good practical judgment and wisdom in business have resulted in great good to the commnnity as well as in enhancing his own exchequer.